I. T. Montgomery House, National Historic Landmark in Mound Bayou, Mississippi.
The I. T. Montgomery House is a two-story brick structure with a hip roof, raised foundation, and front porch featuring square Doric columns set on brick piers. The building displays early 1900s characteristics with multiple projecting sections topped by gabled roofs that add visual interest to its facade.
The residence was built in 1910 for Isaiah Montgomery, a formerly enslaved person who founded Mound Bayou as one of the first successful African American towns in America. His vision established a model community for Black independence and prosperity during the post-Civil War era.
The residence reflects African American entrepreneurship and community building in the Mississippi Delta following emancipation. It demonstrates how Black leaders created thriving settlements and economic opportunities in the region.
The building sits on West Main Street in the heart of the town and is easy to locate while walking through Mound Bayou. Following extensive restoration work completed in the early 2000s, the structure is well-maintained and clearly visible from the street.
The residence features a distinctive long stairway with a sharp right-angle turn that leads to the porch, an unusual design choice that sets it apart. This particular feature reflects the owner's personal style and vision for how he wanted to approach his home.
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